This built in cupboard is 150 years old - part of the original summer kitchen in our farm house. On Sunday, we continued our work at freshening it up:

We added the stained glass at the top (may add lights behind in the days to come). We found this piece of glass for a song at a local shop - and asked one of the carpenters from our Amish community to frame it.

I put up new paper at the back of the open shelves - a $1.00 roll of wall paper - just stapled up with my trusty stable gun...easy to change out if I tire of it.

The cupboard doors show the paint layers we found when we removed contact paper. The interesting thing is that I was struggling with "just the right green" for the kitchen walls -- we removed the contact paper to reveal that the green we finally settled on had once "lived" in this kitchen.

The counter is tiled - a fairly easy project - my first try.

The kitchen is green, yellow, white & blue...these colors just work with all the seasonal & holiday changes that I make.

We love the simplicity and charm of this very original kitchen -- it still even has the old farm sink. When we bought the farm in 2006 - this kitchen was called "scarey" at best -- now I think it is just plain fun!!

Do note - the old Planters Peanut jar (which we now use for cookies) is empty on the counter -- I would much rather decorate than cook/bake!!

Comments (11)

I just realized a special bonus for me --- I commute to my office in Madison, Wisconsin (300 miles round trip) once a week and stay for several days --- I opened the site tonight to check on what has been going on -- and there was my home. Being a long way from home - here I was - both "among friends" and in my own kitchen.
Kari
Posted: 6:23 pm on January 14th

fellowjunker writes: Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!! I just eyed all your enamelware pitchers...........I have a 'thing' for enamelware.
I want to come for tea in your kitchen!!
Thanks for adding the pictures.
xojanis
Posted: 5:52 pm on January 14th

georgiamoon writes: Wow this is fun just to get a look at your kitchen. Really comfy, cozy and homey. I love all the things that you have done! Georgia
Posted: 2:16 pm on January 14th

Junk_Sophisticate writes: Oh, you are good Ms. Kari! I love the stained glass window addition especially. Fantastic idea. And that jelly cupboard is a jawdropper! Your kitchen is like a cozy Bed and Breakfast.

I just really love it all - what an awesome kitchen - lots of great old elements!

You did a wonderful job on the cabinet - the stained glass, and "freshening up" - love the colors. And, the old skirted sink is too sweet!!

What a comfy room - thanks for sharing with us! :)

Take care, Kathy

Posted: 10:43 am on January 13th

FunktionalJunk writes: What a great save! I love how all the colors blend with each other. I can see a glimpse of your farmhouse sink with the skirt. It looks like it matches with the paper you put in the back of the cupboard. I LOVE your sink! I've been trying for years to locate one for a reasonable price for my kitchen...no luck yet. That just means I'll have to keep on haunting my favorite junk places...oh, darn! Great job!

Leah
Posted: 3:18 pm on January 12th

Meadowview_Farm writes: Janis:
Thanks for the request for more pictures - I am most pleased to have added them!!
I am not sure about the colors of the cupboard doors next to the blue wallpaper I put up at the back of the cupboards -- but in the kitchen as a whole unit -- it works.
Kari
Posted: 1:45 pm on January 12th

fellowjunker writes: This is a beautiful original Kari. I love that you saved and revamped it. I would love to see a close up of the cupboard doors.....I love the colours.....and am wondering what you did with them.
I, too, am with you on the baking (ha, ha)!! Oh, and what about showing us that jelly cupboard.....sounds beautiful!!
xojanis
Posted: 12:27 pm on January 12th

To note:
On the other side of the kitchen is a large 150 year old dark wood jelly cupboard (which works as our pantry) - kind of balances all the light colors on the photographed side. We have a round table in the center of the kitchen that a special friend found along the edge of the road - now it is painted yellow - and offers additional work space. Next to the stove is an old hamper that I use for waste and recycling.
Kari
Posted: 10:23 am on January 12th

suewhitney writes: What a great Sunday project(I'll bet you're pooped) and I love the whole feel of the kitchen. BTW...I'm with you on the decorate vs. bake question!. You did a fabulous job Kari, way to go! What's in store for next Sunday?